ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

September 2024 –(San Diego’s East County) -- September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is not just a national or state concern. It’s something that touches our neighborhoods, our schools, our families, and our friends. Mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, especially after the social and emotional strain of the past few years, according to a study by the American Psychology Association. We can unite as a community to support one another and raise awareness about the resources available to help those in crisis.

East County is not immune to the devastating impact of suicide. The pressures of everyday life, financial stress, family issues, academic pressures, and the lingering effects of the pandemic can all contribute to a mental health crisis. For some, the feelings of hopelessness and despair can become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of suicide. According to data released by the county, the east region had higher age-adjusted death rates due to suicide than the county overall in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Data for 2019 and 2022 was not available. In addition, the east region had higher age-adjusted hospitalization and Emergency Department discharge rates due to suicide attempts/ideation/intentional self-harm than the county overall every year from 2018-2022.

What makes this issue particularly heartbreaking is that it is often preventable. Many individuals who contemplate suicide do not want to die. They want relief from their pain. However, many feel isolated, believing there is no one they can turn to. That is why we, as a community, can create an environment where people feel safe seeking help without fear of judgment or stigma.

One of the most essential tools in suicide prevention is the 988 Access and Crisis Line. This nationwide hotline, available 24/7, provides immediate support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. If you call 988 from within San Diego County, you will connect automatically to the local Access and Crisis line. Additional information about mental health is available at the It’s Up to Us website.

Whether it’s a person considering suicide, someone struggling with substance misuse, or a family member unsure how to help a loved one, 988 connects callers with trained counselors who can offer emotional support and connect them with local resources.

For East County residents and nationwide, the 988 hotline is a lifeline. It represents a shift in how we approach mental health emergencies, moving away from criminal justice interventions and toward compassionate care. Instead of dialing 911, which may result in a police response, individuals can call 988 and speak directly with a mental health professional who understands the complexities of crises. This can be particularly important in our area, where the response to a mental health crisis may otherwise be delayed due to the geographic spread of our communities.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10 and is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” In East County, this day offers a chance to reflect on the ways we can all contribute to suicide prevention efforts. Whether through education, advocacy, or simply reaching out to those around us, everyone has a role.

One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is by educating ourselves about the warning signs. These can include changes in behavior, expressions of hopelessness, withdrawal from social activities, and increased risky behaviors. It’s also important to listen without judgment when someone expresses despair. Letting them know they are not alone and encouraging them to seek help can make a difference.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Trainings for Suicide Prevention are available virtually or in-person in San Diego County. QPR is designed to give the general public the basic skills necessary to recognize the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. The QPR Gatekeeper Trainings are funded by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, and are offered for free on behalf of the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council.

This Suicide Awareness Day, consider how you can help reduce the stigma around mental health in our community. Attend a local event, share information about 988 on social media, or simply talk with a friend or family member about the importance of mental health. By normalizing these discussions, we can create a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource, but it’s just one part of the solution. Ultimately, the strength of our community lies in our willingness to stand together, listen, and act with compassion. By working together, we can help prevent suicide and build a future where we treat mental health with the same importance as physical health. If you or someone you know is in crisis, remember that help is just a phone call away. Dial 988 for immediate support, and let’s continue to build a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and hopeful.

IPS works alongside communities to build power, challenge systems of inequity, protect health, and improve quality of life. IPS has a vision for safe, secure, vibrant and healthy communities where everyone can thrive. To learn more about IPS East County, follow us on our social media platforms: IPS East County Facebook, IPS East County X, and East County Youth Coalition Instagram. Our website is at IPSEast.org. Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder via the Access & Crisis line, which is open year-round, 24/7 at (888) 724-7240 or dial 988.